Once a well-kept secret in surfing circles, this teardrop-shaped island on the Eastern tip of the Philippines with non-gentrified Bali vibes, is not only worth a visit, it’s a ‘must’. We travelled here this January with my boyfriend after doing a wider Philippines island hopping and Siargao was our absolute favourite.
As we are planning to return soon, I put together a guide that can help you see every gorgeous corner of this paradise and have an adventure of a lifetime.
Follow this Siargao travel guide for a guaranteed set of amazing experiences and stunning vistas. You’ll have it for life and can access it anytime. You can also combine my saved spots & insights with your own research to craft the Siargao trip of your dreams.
If you are travelling to this beautiful island soon, tag me in the photos you take - I'd love to see Siargao through your eyes. @irinadoingthings
1. Fireflies watching from a canoe on the Maasin River
One of the best travel experiences and - dare I say - moments of my life. Just imagine >> you spend the whole day exploring the island of Siargao with newly found friends from a surf camp. You ride a tricycle, canoe down a river with local lady telling you stories about her 6 children, snorkel in the pristine waters of a lagoon surrounded by a gorgeous lush of trees, spot bright purple crabs for the first time in your life, try caramelised bananas and some questionable-looking mango ice cream in a plastic bag, listen to mesmerising soft techno, laugh loads. When the sun starts to set, rain comes pouring down like there’s no tomorrow. Your tricycle driver stops you by the same river where in the afternoon you were canoeing and you wait for the rain to pass. Luckily it does, you hop on a canoe again and set sail into the darkness. Billions of stars shining so bright in the sky. Perfect visibility. Their reflections on the water guide your canoe through the dark paths between the mangroves. And there it is. Fireflies. Thousands of them. Partying on one tree, jumping on another, wiggling, flashing in sync, vanishing, reappearing in a fluorescent rush. A natural light show. A disco ball created by her majesty Planet Earth.
2 - Day trip to Sohoton Cove
Sohoton Cove is a serene National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife & plants and perfect for those who are seeking tranquility (and lots of gorgeous insta-spots!). Take a boat tour through the cove's crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs covered in lush greenery. The waters are so clear, you can dive in and observe the fish swimming around the vibrant coral reefs that thrive in the cove's calm waters. Some of the highlights here are the stunning Blue Lagoon, the Jellyfish sanctuary with thousands of stingless jellyfish you can swim with and observe, as well the Hagukan cave named after the sound of the water rushing through it. Bring your swimsuit & dive in - this is the true Philippines experience you will never forget.
2 - Catching the waves on Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is called Cloud 9 for a reason. It’s a true dream come true for surfers attracting enthusiasts from all corners of the globe around the world. Located in the small town of General Luna, this spot is famous for its barreling right-hand wave that breaks over a shallow coral reef. This wave is consistently powerful, fast, hollow and can get as high as 10 feet/3 metres. It does indeed require skill, timing & a bit of luck, but if you’re up for the challenge, I definitely recommend to check it out. An annual Cloud 9 Surfing Cup in autumn attracts some of the world's best surfers to the island to compete. Even if you are not a seasoned surfer, the viewing platform here provides an excellent opportunity to observe the magic of the surf maneuvers.
Great one-stop surf shop for all your needs. They are true advocates for sustainable materials. Great atmosphere and cards are accepted.
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Where to stay?
I recommend staying on the South-East side of Siargao, but the exact location depends on your preferences. If you're after being in the centre of all the happenings - restaurants, bars, parties, food markets, etc. - stay in General Luna. If you are looking for something more calm & remote - pick one of the luxurious villas around Dapa or north of General Luna. & personally I love the vibe surf camps have.
Seafood in Siargao is simply the best and here you can try it right by the ocean. Staff was so accommodating and prepared for us the freshest crab & fish of the day.
Stunning views, excellent service and tasty Indonesian dishes served by the ocean. The portions are huge and mixed plates are really good value for money.
If you are looking for non-Filipino dinner cooked with amazing local produce - this is a great spot. Pizza, pasta, tacos, cheesecakes, muffins - you name it.
Creative & unique ceviche and kinilaws in General Luna. Rice dishes, bows, calamari & other seafood dishes also are delicious. Their mango juice is a ‘must’.
Another authentic Italian spot in General Luna. Their slogan is ‘Filipino-Italian comfort food’ and that’s exactly what it is. Tomato toasts are fantastic!
Locals advised us to come here for ‘the best cocktails on the island’ and Manu didn’t disappoint! Relaxed vibes, super friendly staff & amazing food too.
I have the best memories from this place! The staff is so friendly, they drink, dance, and sing with you all while serving the best cocktails.
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Best time to visit Siargao
I'll be honest - there's no such thing as a 'bad time to visit' Siargao. Trust me, this island has a lot to offer no matter the weather. But here's a little overview >>
Best season (in my opinion): January - February
Yes, there could be occasional rainfall, but the weather is mild and warm, there are almost no tourists - only locals, accommodation is cheaper, and surf spots are not too crowded. It's just beautiful.
High (& therefore super touristy season): March - April
The dry season in Siargao attracts lots of tourists for a reason: the weather is perfect for sunbathing, surfing, canoeing, snorkeling, and any other activity you can imagine. But be prepared that many resorts triple rates around these popular months.
Shoulder season: May - October
Siargao is a bit quieter during these months, so accommodation savings are available and tourist crowds are thinner, but be prepared for rainfall.
Low season: November - December
This is the time of rougher waves, greater chance of bad weather, with passing typhoons sometimes causing days of torrential rain. But November is also the time when the Big Swell Wave comes to Cloud 9, which is almost a festival-like event for all surf lovers and locals. And Christmas time is beautiful on the island with all locals celebrating.
Created by Irina Gorskaia, @irinadoingthings. Hit me up on Instagram if you have any more questions about travelling to Siargao, I'll be happy to support you in planning a visit to one of my favourite islands in the world.
Digital creator working in IT for one of the largest travel corporations in the world, living out of a suitcase between 📍Geneva, London & Berlin.
I have explored 40+ countries and lived, studied & worked in a few as well - the UK, France, Germany & now Switzerland. I speak English, Russian, Ukrainian, German and French and have big plans to take on Italian and Spanish at some point soon. I'm all about curiosity, never-ending exploration, empowering international communities, and a strong passion for travel & photography.
Check out my travel guides or connect with me on Instagram (@irinadoingthings) for in-depth travel content and advice on less-travelled spots around the world.
